(NAFB) — A monthly measure of farmer sentiment shows producers are more pessimistic about current conditions. The monthly Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer slipped to 121, down three points from August. However, the Index of Current Conditions, a sub-index of the barometer, dropped 22 points to a reading of 100. The barometer is based on a mid-month survey of 400 …
National Chicken Council Unveils New Sustainability Resources
Videos, infographics, farmer testimonials, FAQs highlight chicken’s environmental journey WASHINGTON, D.C. (NCC-Oct 2, 2019) — With the help of technology, modern breeding, nutrient management, feed conversion and improved animal husbandry practices, chicken producers in the U.S. have significantly reduced the use of water, farmland, electricity, greenhouse gas emissions, and other valuable natural resources. In fact, producing the same amount of chicken …
Response to FDACS Open Burn Program Enhancements
Clewiston, FL (U.S. Sugar-Oct. 1, 2019) — In response to enhancements announced by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Nikki Fried, U.S. Sugar Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Judy Sanchez released the following statement: “We applaud Commissioner Nikki Fried, her staff and the Florida Forest Service for their thoughtful review of the state’s open …
Sunbelt Ag Expo Starts in Two Weeks!
SWISHER SWEETS FARMER OF THE YEAR Over the past 30 years, the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award program has honored excellence across Southern agriculture’s diverse landscape. Farmers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are eligible for the award. State winners are selected by representatives of sponsoring organizations in …
Agriculture Groups Urge USDA to Quickly Establish Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank
Representatives of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the National Corn Growers Association and Iowa State University called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to move as quickly as possible to establish a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank. At a press conference today, these groups recognized the steps USDA has taken to establish …
Major Changes to Prescribed Burning
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced major changes and enhancements to the state’s prescribed burning program, which is authorized by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Forest Service. Prescribed burning in Florida is a national model for successfully managing statewide forests and lands through safe, controlled, carefully managed prescribed fire. A scientifically sound practice, prescribed burning is …
USDA Investing in Recreational Public Access on Private Lands
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced they will make up to $50 million available to help create or expand state government and tribal programs that encourage landowners and land managers to allow public access to their land for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals from state governments and tribes …
Signup Underway for Healthy Forests Reserve Program in Florida
The sign up period for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) is open for applications through Oct. 15 for certain counties in Florida. Administered by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), HFRP is a farm bill program that helps landowners restore, enhance and protect forestland resources through the purchase of conservation easements and financial assistance for management activities. …
McConnell Tells Democrats “Time to Act on USMCA”
(NAFB) — Much of Washington, D.C., is consumed with questions about Ukraine and the impeachment inquiry. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell publicly scolded Democrats’ handling of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. Politico says McConnell wants House Democrats to pass the North American trade agreement, noting that “the time for excuses is over.” Speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell said Democrats …
China Buys U.S. Ag Products Ahead of Next Round of Talks
(NAFB) — Late last week, China said it’s already bought a considerable number of U.S. soybeans and pork as it prepares for the next round of trade talks with Washington, D.C. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce says both countries are in “close communication” ahead of the next round of talks. A ministry spokesman says as China has ramped up its …